Major Police Powers Enacted Across Melbourne's Heart
Victoria Police has implemented sweeping new search authorities across central Melbourne, declaring a vast 'designated area' until 29 May 2026 under the Control of Weapons Act. This declaration grants officers the ability to conduct searches without a warrant or reasonable suspicion in the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, and parts of East and South Melbourne.
How the New Search Powers Work
From Sunday, police and Protective Service Officers (PSOs) will be legally empowered to perform random pat-downs and search vehicles. They can use electronic wands and require individuals to remove outer clothing like jackets, headwear, and scarves. People can also be instructed to empty their pockets and bags.
Officers may demand the removal of face coverings that could hide a person's identity or protect against crowd-control substances. Anyone refusing to comply with a search or a direction to leave the area is committing an offence.
Human Rights Groups Sound the Alarm
The decision has been met with fierce criticism from legal and human rights organisations. The Inner Melbourne Community Legal centre labelled the six-month designation a 'vast overreach'. Its chief executive, Nadia Morales, stated the move is unprecedented in both its geographic scope and duration.
"This is complete overkill by Victoria police to designate such a large area for six months," Morales said. "What it means is that a police officer or protective services officer can stop and search anyone, no questions asked, at any time."
She expressed grave concerns that the powers would disproportionately impact minorities, the homeless, and people experiencing mental health issues, describing such stops as "humiliating."
Sarah Schwartz, Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, warned that the powers could affect anyone in the city for ordinary activities, from studying at the State Library to attending a free concert.
Police Justification and Civil Liberty Concerns
In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed this is the first area to receive such a long-term declaration under recent legislative changes. The spokesperson cited rising knife crime, stating the operations are an 'invaluable tool' for removing weapons from the streets.
The police also asserted a "zero tolerance towards racial profiling," emphasising that officers are trained to focus on behaviour, not background.
However, Gemma Cafarella, President of Liberty Victoria, called the declaration an "abuse" of police powers. She questioned its effectiveness, pointing to a report from her organisation which found that illicit items were seized in only 1% of similar warrantless searches conducted over a prior two-year period.
This new police authority transforms the dynamic in inner Melbourne, placing the burden of proof on citizens and raising significant questions about the balance between public safety and fundamental civil liberties.
